Ireland: Political structure

Ireland is a parliamentary, representative democratic republic and a member state of the European Union. While the head of state is the popularly elected President of Ireland, this is a largely ceremonial position with real political power being vested in the indirectly elected Taoiseach (prime minister) who is the head of the government.

Health care system in Ireland

In Ireland, the public healthcare system is managed by 8 regional health authorities administered by the Ministry of Health. These regional authorities take in charge health care and hospitalization related costs for people on low income.